
■n^o^ 













<* "Op** 



















" * aO' 








^^ 







-** ^ <it * 






* « ;'o 9 









* 



* • o. 



« w o ' ^^' 



%y ^-i- V 







• O-r.. [■mm.: Ao^ \^ ^ 







'^^ 



♦v«* .A 



^oV^ ^ 












"o "V.^* 







' * • r . ^^ 






'.AT.;! '!, ,^A!l 






..<^ 



Out of the Depths 



BY 



CARRIE B. VAUGHAN 



Is 




m 



ARTIetVeRIX^jTl 



BOSTON 
RICHARD G. BADGER 

Ube ©orbam press 
1908 



Copyright, igoy, by Carrie B. Vaughan 
\_All Rights Reserved.'] 



\ 



LIBRARY of CONCiWESS 
Two Copits Receivou 

DEC 30 1907 

Cypyigni tntry 

CLASS A XX6. Wu. 

COPY B, y 



M^ 



A 3 

« 

0^. 



1-^ 



? 



The Gorham Tress, 'Boston, U.S.A. 



CONTENTS 



The New Thought .... 
God Liveth Ever ..... 


7 

8 


The Night Doth Come 


9 


We Die Daily ..... 


10 


Aspiration ...... 

Resting in God ..... 

''He Gives His Angels Charge'' . 


10 

II 
II 


Thorn-Crowned ..... 


12 


" Dozun to 'Sleep'' .... 


13 


''Non Nobis Solum" .... 


H 


Only a Little Way .... 
The Human Aura .... 


15 
18 


Belief 


21 


'' De Profundis" ..... 


22 


He Gives Us Choice .... 


23 


He Leads Us .... . 


24 


Finished . . . . 


25 


He Conquers Who Endures . 


26 


Thy Brother ..... 
Trust 


27 
28 


Our Dead ...... 


29 


Kin ..... 


30 


Thy Holy Hill . . . . ^^ . 
''And There Shall be no more Night" . 


30 
31 


The Inner Life ..... 


31 


Sometime ...... 


33 


The Bells 


• 34 



Peace on Earth ..... 


• 35 


The Mother of Jesus .... 


■ 36 


Blind from His Birth .... 


38 


''Resurgam*' ..... 


- 40 


The Easter Lily ..... 


• 40 


Arbutus ...... 


• 41 


Sunshine after Rain .... 


• 42 


" fFe feel the things we ought to be beneath th 


e 


things we are .... 


• 43 


A Petition 


• 43 


Release ...... 


• 44 


Cheerfulness ..... 


• 45 


Inner Sunshine ..... 


• 46 


''Where Will You Spend Eternity?'' 


• 47 


My Father s House .... 


. 48 


Incentive ...... 


49 


''Thou wilt keep him in Perfect Peace whose M 


m(^ 


is Stayed on Thee'' 


50 


I Know Not ..... 


51 


Return . . ... 


52 


Light and Shadow 


53 


Life 


54 


Adversity ...... 


54 


Why 


55 


Again a Child ...... 


56 


My Prayer . 


SI 


Repose ....... 


58 


His Ways are Hidden Ways . . . . 


58 


To a Child ....... 


59 


De Shadows ...... 


60 


Charity ....... 


61 


Let Them Shine Through . . . . 


62 


Pompey's Prayer ...... 


63 


To-Morrow ....... 


64 


Messages ....... 


65 


The Spirit's Flight 


66 



Burden-Bearing . 






66 


The New Birth . . . . 






67 


Progression .... 






68 


Into the Silence 






69 


Conscience .... 






70 


*^My Peace I Leave with Tou'' 






• 71 


Discipline .... 






72 


The Christ Child 






• 73 


Child Jesus 






• 74 



THE NEW r HOUGH f 

' Tis borne upon the waiting air, 

It pulses o'er the sea: 
The vibrant thought of worlds afar 

Bids superstition flee. 

It moves the whole glad earth to-day 

With influence unseen; 
Now millions own its magic touch 

And walk with angel mien. 

For day by day and hour by hour 

New impulses unfold. 
And yet, 't is naught but ancient lore, 

Deep mysteries retold. 

Our Father's hand still leadeth us 
Through meadows fair and sweet, 

Or into paths of deepest woe 
To make our lives complete. 



GOD LIVETH EVER 

God liveth ever, ever}^where: 

If near to Him we 're found 
There 's naught too hard for us to meet 

His love and help abound. 
But we must choose the better part: 

He waits for us to call 
And gives us lavishly indeed; 

What harm can e'er befall ? 

Then seek Him in the burning bush 

And on the mountain-top; 
We cannot look in vain for Him, 

Nor go where God is not. 
It only needs the open eye, 

The heart attuned to praise. 
To see His hand in ev'ry act, 

His love o'er all our ways. 

O, could our feet but scale the heights 

What visions would be ours! 
But we can strive, and in our flights 

Ascend the lofty tow'rs 
That bring us near the realm beyond 

And there await the call 
From Him who plans our pilgrimage, 

Who knows and pities all. 

He will not turn one soul aside. 

But with unfailing love 
Will lead us gently on and on 

To dwell with Him above. 
Press forward! if endeavor fail, 

Still let your aim be high; 
The moment waits when sure success. 

Through Him, is drawing nigh. 



8 



THE NIGHT DOTH COME 

The night doth come as surely as the day, 

And we have need of all that night can bring: 

The shining of the stars, the fair, pale moon. 
The darkness folding close — a phantom thing. 

When night doth come all work is laid aside, 
And men go forth, each on a different quest: 

Some but to eat and drink — carousal coarse — 
And others to enjoy a well-earned rest. 

How wonderful the power that night doth hold! 

Base deeds it hides while better thoughts have 
birth 
As peace and rest encompass weary souls 

Within its broad domain, encircling earth. 

The night has many phases all its own; 

Day follows day amid unceasing change. 
But each returning night healing and balm doth 
bring. 

The dark, mysterious night — is it not strange ? 

The precious pearl is hid in tight-closed shell 
And there in darkness forms in purity so white : 

Thus souls to full maturity shall grow, 
And shall attain unlooked for light. 

Then let us thank the Giver of the night: 
He saw our need and in His own good way 

Provided rest for weary, troubled souls. 
The night doth come, — so bravely meet the day. 



WE DIE DAILY 

We daily die unto our old desires: 

The acts that please us, and the words that 
wound. 
The things that at a distance loomed so large 
Can scarce be seen when at our feet they 're 
found. 

The little things that torture and perplex 
Are slowly dying as we gain in pow'r: 

The time will come when we shall keep serene 
Whatever fate shall render as our dow'r. 



ASPIRATION 

Lord, thy spirit now reveal, 
Let our souls no sin conceal. 
Pure and open as the day 
Be our thoughts and acts alway. 

May we never lose a friend — 
Help and cherish to the end. 
When at last our race is run 
May we leave no good undone. 

Gaining freedom, this our plea: 
"Not a tear let fall for me: 
O, thou hast no cause to weep, — 
Flesh, not spirit, here doth sleep. 

He that loseth life shall find: 
Links invisible shall bind. 
Swifter yet our souls shall meet. 
Joining in communion sweet. 



10 



RESTING IN GOD 

Resting in God! 
What thought can so inspire ? 

Resting in God, 
We from the world retire. 

Resting in God, 
All evil falls away. 

Resting in God, 
We gain in strength each day. 

Resting in God, 
Our thoughts are all of peace. 

Resting in God, 
We find all sorrow cease. 

Resting in God, 
Each day grows strangely calm. 

Resting in God, 
We gain the victor's palm. 



''HE GIVES HIS ANGELS CHARGE 



)» 



"He gives his angels charge" concerning thee, 
"Lest thou shouldst dash thy foot against a 
stone," 

Then bids thee roam the wide world swift and free 
And know that thou canst walk no more alone. 

They hold thee though the way be dark and long; 

If thou wouldst rest they softly guard thy sleep. 
Then let thy heart and lips breathe gladdest song — 

Because His love doth sure thy footsteps keep! 



II 



(( 



THORN— CRO WNED 

I close mine eyes at twilight's calm, 
When in the silence still I rest, 

And lo! within a halo bright 

I see the Savior's head, so blest. 

Alas! His brow is pierced by thorns — 
A woful fate! what can it mean ? 

Yet never smile so sad and sweet 
Upon another face was seen. 

*'Lord, show me not the crown of thorns: 
I cannot wear it now," I pray, 
But let some lighter task be mine; 
And give me strength to serve, each day. 

I only live from hour to hour. 

To look ahead appalleth me. 
I '11 meet the burdens as they come. 

But let my soul unfettered be. 

If I have turned aside at times 

From discipline or duty stern. 
Appear and show the better way; 

Nor let me e'er Thy precepts spurn. 

I read that human 'tis to err: 
O, teach me how to be divine! 

Grant me forgiveness, full and free. 

Then, — all my love and service. Thine. 



it 



Keep Thou the future veiled," I plead. 
If happiness shall come to me 
I may, in eager waiting, slight 

Some task to draw me nearer Thee. 



12 



If I must still be sorely bruised 
Withhold the knowledge for awhile; 

And when a little stronger grown, 

Lord, grant that then I, too, may smile." 



(( 



DOfVN TO SLEEP'' 



My precious babe, I fold thee close 
As ''Down to sleep" I lay thee now, 

And "Pray the Lord" thy "Soul to keep 
As over thee in prayer I bow. 

I cannot say "If thou shouldst die," 
My little one, — I love thee so. 

O, stay and make my Heaven here! 
I cannot, cannot let thee go. 

Without thee, what would life become ? 

A cold and barren thing, indeed! 
O, stay his hand if Death draws near 

And let my baby wake, I plead. 

Now shut those eyes of dazzling blue, — 
The heavy lids fall softly down. 

Then rise and fall again, and lo. 
My baby's off to Dreamland Town. 



>> 



n 



C( 



NON NOBIS SOLUM'' 



Thou canst not live unto thyself alone: 

Each thought goes out, though much against 
thy will; 

The words thou speakest, though at midnight hour, 
Bear each a message — be it good or ill. 

Then rule thyself. Let thought and action tell 
Ot that great Power which ever watches o'er, 

Until the world shall see upon thy face 
Reflection of the inner light once more. 

O, make that light the priceless pearl of life! 

And guard thy soul from e'en the tiniest stain. 
These having done, when called to higher spheres 

Know that thou surely hast not lived in vain. 

Let not thy thought be wholly for thyself: 
For even now, upon the border-land 

Await the weary and discouraged souls 

Who can be saved by kindly, helping hand. 

It may be that one word, or thought or deed 
May turn the current and inspire their souls; 

Then do not hold it back, but freely give 
As He has given who human life controls. 

"Not merely for ourselves" must guide thy life; 

Now send the thought the waiting world around. 
Let the discouraged the vibration feel, 

And in it may new impulses be found. 



H 



ONLY A LITTLE WAT 

Only a little way, 

Just through an open door, 
Out of the flesh, we say, — 

Just as we were before. 

Loving as we have loved, 

Still closely bound to earth. 
Grieving alone for you, 

Flesh is of little worth. 

Waiting till you can see 

Some rift within the cloud, 
Our saddest thought is this: 

That grief must still enshroud. 

Whene'er some light shall fall 

Upon your darkened path, 
O, then be ours the joy 

That never mortal hath! 

Your vision is too dull 

To see the glories veiled 
That dawned upon our opened eyes 

And we with rapture hailed. 

When you the step must take 

Our loving hands will guide. 
Keep not this knowledge for yourself, 

But spread it far and wide. 

Go, tell the world that we 

Are still unchanged and true, — 

Save that through death we have attained 
A broader, wiser view. 



15 



We have the power to guide, 

So hold yourself in peace. 
O, grasp this wondrous truth 

And let your mourning cease! 

What though rebuffs must come ? 

They give an added zest 
And purify the soul; 

Then yield not to unrest. 

Never while cords of love 

Reach from your souls to ours 

Shall we be wholly weaned from earth. 
Through linked with mighty pow'rs. 

But if the time shall come 
When earthly love grows cold 

No longer by your side we stay — 
Yet still we closely hold. 

Ours is the larger love, 

Which asks that what is best. 

In His good time, may come to you 
And give you peace and rest. 

We have our work to do: 
To help some sin-sick soul. 

To gently turn the wayward feet. 
Or hurtful thought control. 

While we have not the powV 

To every thought renew, 
We can suggest the rightful course 

And help them to be true. 



i6 



We can bring better things 
Within their vision keen 

Until all evil 's crowded out, 
The while we work unseen. 

When the glad day shall come 
That you the truth accept, 

Then evermore the light will shine 
Beloved, do not reject. 

It means so much to us: 
For we have waited long. 

Unseen, unrecognized, the while 
In love we round you throng. 

We often go, 't is true, 

But never far away; 
The least vibration chains our feet 

And by your side we stay. 

O, will you not give rein 

To the unselfish love 
That lets us go to gather strength 

And knowledge found above ? 

Then we can give you more, 
And lead you farther on, — 

Until at last we lead you to 
The glad, unending morn. 



17 



THE HUMAN AURA 

Each being hath its aura, 

And ev'ry opened eye 
Can read it with a ready glance — 

Can trace each laugh or sigh. 

If thou hast scattered sunshine 

Along some darkened way, 
Then will that light illume thy soul 

And in thy aura play. 

The colors of thy spirit 

Thou takest ev'rywhere: 
No human hand hath mixed them. 

Yet they glow in beauty rare. 

They tell, to thosg who see them, 

A strange and varied tale; 
Not all are bright — a few so black 

They make the spirit quail. 

With some, 't is like a palette 
With paints unmixed and crude; 

But after they are blended 
And Artist eye hath viewed. 

When Artist's hand hath held the brush 

And in the light they gleam 
How great a marvel hath been wrought - 

How beautiful they seem! 

If thou canst gain an entrance 

Into the childish heart 
Thou yet mayst learn of many things: 

Strange mysteries impart. 



t8 



Some say when night hath fallen, 
While yet they wait for sleep 

The rainbow colors round them play 
And bring them slumber deep. 

Still others say a magic wheel 
Is turning round and round, 

While some can see the rainbow arch; 
Few have no colors found. 

The Christus knew whereof he spake: 

To his disciples taught 
A lesson when within their midst 

A little child he brought. 

''Become a little child again, 

And thou shalt surely be 
Within my kingdom great, indeed — 

From ev'ry sin set free. 

But if through thee offense appears 

To e'en the smallest one, 
Then woe be thine — and woe for all 

Through whom offense shall come." 

Become a little child to-day. 

And thou shalt surely see 
Life's colors play before thine eyes 

In perfect harmony. 

Each soul its aura can control 
And make it coarse or fine. 

The outward form .? It matters not — 
The psychic force is thine. 



TO 



If in the grasp of passion base, 

The shadow of thy sin 
Shall fold thee close until o'er self 

The victory thou shalt win. 

If all the standard colors 

Are with thee and around 
Complete development is shown, 

With strength, and thought profound. 

And if the perfect rainbow 

Shall arch above thee, then 
It shows that thou art blessed indeed 

Above thy fellow-men. 

If haply time there cometh 

When enshrined in purest light 

Thy spirit waits, the victory 
Is thine, — the future bright. 

Then let no failure daunt thee, 

For help is always near 
To blend the colors. At thy call 

It will at once appear. 

And when the Master Artist 

A few deft strokes applies, 
Lo! beauty that is born of God 

The waiting souls surprise. 



20 



BELIEF 

What is belief? A most illusive force. 

Elusive too, and changes in an hour, — 
Aye, in an instant's time; while it exists 

It full dominion o'er the soul has pov^^'r. 

We think belief is fixed, and then comes doubt; 

We question why the saintly souls of earth 
Must suffer more than those of blackest dye: 

And it is then that unbelief has birth. 

Thereafter scales must ever sway and swing. 

Few hold the balance true from night till morn: 
They say they do, but deep within their souls 

Day after day the weighing still goes on. 

And so it will till dawn of better things 

That come through the benignant hand of grief; 

When plunged into the depths then may we say: 
"Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief." 

Could we but see our loved ones as they are — 
The gift is ours, though in abeyance held — 

How surely it would serve to give us faith : 
Each day our souls to God more firmly weld. 

It is the thought that here we may not know 
What lieth just beyond that frets us so. 

But we can know of many hidden things 
If we but loose our hold on all below. 

And in the future, when the truth is known, 
As it must sometime be, beyond a doubt, 

Belief becomes a most substantial force 
That none of us will care to live without. 



21 



Now, while we wait it will be better far 
To live the Christ-life. Do not let us mar 

A new-formed faith, unsettle old belief, — 
But for ourselves accept what brings relief. 

If we but question in all honesty 
It matters little what belief may be. 

Hold fast to God, who whispers to our souls. 
Sometime we'll know that true belief makes free. 



''DE PROFUNDI S" 

**Out of the depths" have I cried unto thee: 
Thou, only Thou, my tired spirit can free. 
Long have I waited, but joy cometh not — 
Darkness o'ershadows. The rest I have sought 
Cometh no nearer; I wait in despair. 
Now, ''De Profundis" — and into Thy care. 

"Out of the depths" into brightness untold! 
Long have I suffered. Thy love hath consoled. 
Long have I waited Thy summons, and now 
Lowly before Thee in gratitude bow. 
List to the words that I gratefully sing 
Lord, "De Profundis!" Thy praises shall ring. 



22 



HE GIVES US CHOICE 

He gives us choice: 
He does not say **Thou shalt," 

But," Wilt thou time thy daily steps to mine ? 
'T is as thou wilt. Walk with me 

And the universe is thine." 

He gives us choice: 
He sends no rosy dreams to tempt; 

But, "Wouldst thou gain the victory divine? 
Arise and fight beside me, 

While thy deeds with glory shine." 

He gives us choice: 
If we accept the wrong 

He leaves the door ajar and waits our call. 
Then welcomes us. We thank Him 

That He cares so much for all. 

He gives us choice: 
But, loving us. He strives 

To lead us gently heavenward each day. 
Let us be led, and through Him 

Find the light, the truth, the way. 



2.^ 



HE LEADS US 

He leads us. 
O, the thorny places where He leads us! 

Sometimes so sharp we scarce can bear the smart. 
But in a little while, in tender love 
He feeds us 
And pours the softest oil upon our hearts. 

He leads us. 
Very close to Heav'n He leads us! 

Sometimes so close we long to dwell therein 
Whate'er we do, "Our Father" 
Always heeds us. 
To serve Him better let us now begin. 

He leads us. 
Yes, how willingly He leads us! 

Though sometimes we reluctant lag behind, 
With clasp of His sustaining hand w^e feel 
He needs us, — 
And quickly grasp the plan that He designed. 

He leads us. 
Many, many ways He leads us! 

And we are healed by virtue of His touch. 
We go, rejoicing at the heritage 
He deeds us. 
To work with Him, — who gives us all so much. 

He leads us. 
Let us thank Him that He leads us, 

And with unfalt'ring trust our hand extend. 
Though it be dark, "Our Father" sees 
And reads us. 
He knows what forces in our lives to blend. 



24 



FINISHED 

We may walk through the valley, 'neath the shadow 
Ere we leave the body to its sure decay. 

We may hold the Angel Death in close communion 
Ere the spirit enters on the heavenly way. 

''Dust to dust" may long remain unspoken, 
We may plead in vain for our release. 

Useless ever is the soul's rebellion, — 

When it yields, then follows priceless peace. 

Many lines deep in the soul are chiseled 
By the loving Master Hand before we go; 

It is when His plan alone has been perfected 
That we the glorious life beyond may know. 

Life in death is given unto many. 

Death in life required of but the few. 

Greatest brilliancy doth follow deepest polish 
Of the diamond, bright as morning dew. 

We must meet ev'ry sorrow without flinching, 
Greeting with a smile the mallet's swing. 

When Life's Sculptor shall pronounce us finished 
Heavenly harmonies within the soul shall ring. 



25 



HE CONQUERS WHO ENDURES 

We know not why so dark the path 

Doth He before our feet, 
Nor why our Hves must ever show 

Some portion incomplete. 

Why is it not, Hke fairest flowers. 

Perfect and sweet and full ? 
Why always show the flaws within ? — 

Is life for aye a school ? 

And must we struggle day by day 

To gain a victory slow, — 
Honor and truth yield to our toes 

At their first, weakest blow ? 

Nay, though we fight with palsied hand 

Still truth and honor may. 
At least, be ours, — and God's own love. 

Then cast the gloom away. 



26 



THT BROTHER 

Why seest thou thy brother's fault ? 

His weakness thine may be; 
Then "Cover it with silence deep" 

Should be thy daily plea. 

Thou knowest not why he to sin 

The barriers let fall: 
Let his own conscience give reproof, 

Then help rebuild the wall 

And build it higher, so that he 
Intrenched more strongly be. 

Make him more eager for the fight. 
Lead him himself to free. 

When, at the last, o'er self and sin 

The victory is gained 
Be glad for him as for thyself. 

His courage never waned. 



27 



TRUST 

We know not if the way 

Be long or short; 
The Father holds our hands, — 

Then doubt Him not. 

He will not lead us where 

We cannot go 
Nor will He tell us why 

He leads us so. 

We must take all on trust: 

That we can do; 
His loved has never failed 

The long years through. 

Why should we question when 

It doth appear 
That we are left alone .? 

He 's always near. 

Although we oft may change 

He changes not, 
And we shall always find, 

What'er our lot, 

That when to Him we turn 

A refuge sure 
Will open to our souls, — 

His love endure. 



28 



OUR DEAD 

Within the gallery of time 

Are hung fair pictures all our own. 
Life's ladder round by round we climb, 

Each step is on the canvas thrown. 

In youth the days too quickly fly, 
Our very griefs are lightly borne: 

We live and love and laugh and cry 
With joy, and then — we mourn. 

The years pass on and we, the while, 
Still view the canvas as of yore; 

We watch the shadowy phantoms file 
Until our hearts can bear no more. 

But as the eventide draws near 

We sit and gaze, with folded hands, 

Adown the years without a fear; 

"Our Father" sees. He understands. 

Where once we wept in anguish keen 
We now subdue the rising tear, 

For, wiser grown, although unseen 
We know our dead are always near. 

For them we smile, our love we show 
By bright'ning paths for other feet. 

Released at last, full well we know 
That we shall go with footsteps fleet. 

So while we wait we smile and sing — 
Each day but brings them nearer still 

They, by their gracious presence, bring 
The pow'r life's mission to fulfil. 

29 



KIN 

It is not in ties of blood 

That the soul finds kin, 
Often 't is the stranger's hand 

Lets the sun shine in. 

Often 't is the stranger's eye, 
Glancing swiftly into ours, 

That stirs some half-forgotten dream 
Or rouses latent pow'rs. 

There is magic in a glance, 

There is strength to which we hold 
If behind the mask of flesh 

Beats a heart of gold. 



THY HOLT HILL 

Lord, who shall stand upon thy holy hill ? 

The man whose life is clean, whose soul is pure, — 
The man whose heart with human love can thrill, 

Who for love's sake will even wrong endure. 

The steadfast man, who builds upon a rock. 
Who walks each day the perfect path of peace. 

Who flinches not however hard the shock, 

Who calmly smiles and bids temptation cease. 



30 



''AND THERE SHALL BE NO MORE 

NIGHT " 

Dost marvel at the brightness on thy way ? 
Behold, for thee hath dawned unending day. 
No more shall night its sombre shadow throw 
Across thy pathway. Thou art safe we know. 
No ill can harm thee now, no care or pain. 
But we, alas! reach after thee in vain. 

Upon thy loved ones left falls night, indeed! 
Thou art the gainer, ours the hearts that bleed. 
And yet, we bravely smile amid our tears; 
For thee no more our hearts shall fill with fears. 
But looking onward, upward, calmly say: 
"At last we, too, shall find unending day." 



THE INNER LIFE 

The inner life ? A deeply hidden force, 

Revealed to God alone. 
We walk apart, alas! by day and night, 

While mingling with our own. 

Why is it we cannot in thought unite 

If all God's children are .? 
Why must we be so sorely hurt at times ^ 

Our souls by discord mar .? 

I ask: without the struggle, what is birth ? 

And death is much the same. 
If such strict discipline the flesh requires 

We surely must not blame 



31 



The All-wise Pow'r who thus that life has hid 

From curious, prying eyes, 
That He requires the strictest discipline 

If we would win the prize. 

Though to our untrained souls the way seems long 

And we oft turn aside, 
We must take all the steps, and we retard 

Our growth when we have tried 

To reach life's mile-stones by a different route 

Than in His plan laid out. 
But, in the pauses, let us, day by day, 

In silence stand without 

The temple of each soul we fain would win, 

And gently fan the spark 
That glows with wondrous purity therein 

To overpow'r the dark. 

Soon will the tiny spark burst into flame. 

Revealing treasures hid. 
And with the magic pass-word, "In His name," 

To enter we are bid. 

And told to take for ours the shining gems 

Best suited to our needs. 
At last we learn that when this choice is given 

We earn it by our deeds. 

That we are not required to walk alone 

When we can comprehend 
The glorious brotherhood of God and man, — 

Gain pow'r the two to blend. 



32 



SOMETIME 

Sometime, when the lessons of life have been 
learned, 
And the garments we Ve worn put aside, 
We shall know why our efforts were seemingly 
vain. 
Why sorrow so oft did betide. 

Perhaps we may see, as each lesson we conned 

The hand of the Teacher divine 
Led us tenderly on o'er the ruggedest paths 

While He taught us our will to resign. 

When safe in the school of His wisdom above 

The reason for living we see. 
We may thank Him for much that seemed hard 
at the time — 

Refusing to grant us our plea. 

He knoweth what lesson removed from our heart 

The bitterness, doubt or despair: 
Then with the sweet faith that in childhood we 
knew 

Let us speak to "Our Father'* in prayer. 

O, Lord, may we ever turn trusting to Thee 
Though the gold in our lives turn to dust. 

Thou canst care for our loved ones far better 
than we — 
We yield to Thy will. Thou art just. 



33 



THE BELLS 

I heard the bells on Christmas eve, 

I hear the bells to-day 
Ring out their carols clear and sweet. 

O, list! how soft they play! 

What is the message that they bring ? 

"Peace and good will to men." 
The waiting air their tones repeat. 

Again I hear! again! 

Though roaming lone in distant land 

My spirit will not stay, 
But on the wings of memory dear 

Serene it floats away. 

It seeketh those it fain would bless: 
The loved, the tried and true. 

In faith it touches broken threads, 
Uniting old and new. 

It asks no greater boon than this: 

To carry peace and love 
To those in anguish and despair. 

And bid them look above. 

I would that all the bells could hear. 
Though in the depths they dwell. 

O, Father, so attune their ear 
That in Thy love they dwell! 

All, all who hold within themselves 
Good will to men, and peace, 

Belong to Thee alone this day. 
And wayward quest shall cease. 



34 



Then ring, ye bells! play o'er and o'er! 

Afar the tidings fling! 
And gladden ev'ry waiting heart 

With messages ye bring. 



PEACE ON EARTH 

What led the wise men in their quest 

That wondrous night of old, 
When on they went, nor paused for rest, 

With gifts of spice and gold ? 

It was a star of radiant light 
That led, and failed them not 

Until it shed its lustre white 
Above the Child they sought. 

Then, "Glory to the King of Kings!" 
They bow them to the ground. 

While "Peace on earth" an angel sings — 
They marvel at the sound. 

Though ages long have passed away 

His glory never dims, 
Triumphant, each returning year. 

Resound the Christmas hymns. 

Then "Peace on earth" indeed we find, 
Within each heart "Good-will." 

A love embracing all mankind 
Repeats that message still. 



35 



THE MOTHER OF JESUS 

There is a wondrous story, 

A tale of olden time, 
That filled the world with glory, — 

Made motherhood sublime. 

'Twas in an eastern country. 

Within a temple served 
A fair and spotless maiden, — 

Nor from one duty swerved. 

She daily grew in beauty. 

No stain her soul could show. 

Then chosen of the Lord was she 
Sweet motherhood to know. 

The Angel came to Joseph 

In revelation clear 
And bade him give her watchful care 

He had no cause for fear. 



>i 



5> 



He of the *' House of David 
His yearly tax must pay. 

And "Bethlehem, the golden 
Was many miles away. 



So Joseph, grave and reverent. 
His trembling child-wife placed 

Upon a poorly laden beast. 

Their Bethlehem journey traced. 

But when within the city 
No inn, with open door 

He found, no one to pity — 
Only a stable floor. 



36 



There for a moment placed her, 
Then quickly spread some grain 

Within a manger hard and rough, 
Then sought his wife again. 

How tenderly he laid her 

Upon that lowly bed! 
How glory shone around her — 

Who had been heaven-led! 

The waiting hours passed slowly 
When, — hark ye to the sound! 

A baby's cry rang lowly 
The silent rafters round. 

And soon the holy Jesus 
Was cradled on her breast: 

To sleep the Babe and mother sank 
In quiet, dreamless rest. 

Then, "Christ is born of Mary," 

The waiting angels cry. 
The sky is filled with radiant light, 

Loud anthems ring on high. 

"Glory to God, the highest! 

Peace and good will to men!" 
Is sounding on the waiting air. 

Again it comes! Again! 

The waking mother, smiling. 
Her babe more closely clasps, 

While, slowly borne upon her. 
The wondrous truth she grasps. 



37 



No one can wrest it from her, 

The honor hers alone. 
Yet, O, the agony, the grief 

That mother-heart has known! 

Full well we know the story. 
And each returning year 

** Glory to God the highest" 
Still echoes far and near. 



BLIND FROM HIS BIRTH 

With eyes unseeing, and with wearied face. 
There stands a man who has been blind from 

birth. 
But not alone, for pitying angels come 
To cheer him as they lightly tread the earth. 
They gather round him, bearing golden gifts. 
And precious, loving thoughts to make him 

strong. 
But still he sees not. So those shining ones 
Return to higher spheres from which they throng. 
They sorrow, for the tidings that they bear 
Will grieve the One who for mankind doth care. 

They seek His presence with reluctant step, 
There to confess their failure in low tone. 
Yet well they know awaits a welcome sure. 
For all who strive He never will disown; 
And these His angels are! they see His face; 
And, seeing, gain each time an added grace. 
These are the words they utter, bending low, — 
Saddened, and yet with faces all aglow: 
*'0, Master, we have offered gifts so pure and 
free 

38 



Unto a groping, weary, earth-born soul 

But he could none perceive. We now return to 

thee: 
May we not bear to others waiting there 
The priceless treasures that he could not see?" 

The Master listened. Then He spake as one 
To whom all things are plain: *'Nay, do not, 

fear, 
For there shall come a time when I, his Lord, 
Shall so anoint his eyes that sight be clear; 
Let him then enter on his heritage. 
If long delayed, perchance he '11 hold it dear 
And waste it not. The good can always wait — 
Evil alone must haste or be too late. 
Now, till his opened eyes shall gaze on hands 

outstretched, 
Laden with gifts from other worlds than his 
Watch o'er him. Guide his heavy, stumbling feet 
Until upon the solid rock he stands. 
There will I ope his eyes, and thou shalt watch 
The wondrous change sweeps o'er him when he 

sees. 
O, then present thy gifts and thou shalt know 
What gratitude e'en earth-born souls can show." 

The angels wait. May all who now are blind 
Press forward till they stand upon that rock 
Whose sure foundation faileth not and then, 
While all the radiant host around them flock 
In gleaming, spotless robes of silv'ry white 
The Master's hand shall gently touch their eyes 
And the most precious gift in life be theirs 
As they, with glad surprise, behold the light. 



39 



t( 



RESURGAM '' 



**I am the resurrection and the life." 

These words spake Christ to one who waited 
long. 
List! as the Easter-tide again returns 

We hear our Savior's words in sweetest song. 
None can forget that on the cross He died, 

All sufferers His agony recall. 
But with the thought of resurrection, life. 

Our grief is turned to joy. No tears shall fall. 



THE EASTER LILT 

The Easter lily bends its graceful head 

And breathes its perfume on the balmy air. 

Within its purity it doth imbed 

A wealth of gold that gleams with beauty rare. 

So, deep within thy soul God's love imbed: 
It shall shine forth like gold that 's tried by fire, 

And far and near its radiance be shed — 
To serve His risen Son thy one desire. 



40 



ARBUTUS 

Hidden under the leaves so dead, 
Shedding its perfume rare, 

Gently lift from the ground away, — 
Gather with tend'rest care. 

Surely, a spirit dwells within 
Chastened by sufF'ring deep: 

For thus alone doth beauty bloom 
And undimmed brightness keep. 

Softly it speaks to me to-day, 

Now let it speak to you, 
While it is fresh and fair and pure. 

Laden with morning dew. 

Listen. 'Twill tell of shady dells, 
Of birds and humming bees. 

And nimble squirrels chattering 
In gnarled and leafy trees, 

Of butterflies at early dawn. 
Moths in the dark'ning night, 

The grim old rocks with lichens gray 
Flooded with golden light. 

Open your heart to the message fleet 
Borne on its blushing face: 

For more than all it speaks of Him 
Who gave such dainty grace. 



41 



SUNSHINE AFTER RAIN 

**Into each life some rain must fall, 
Some days be dark and drear." 

The loved are called, and we are left 
To bear our sorrow here. 

But not alone. He comfort sends. 
And e'en the opening flowers 

Speak tenderly of happier days 
And cheer our saddest hours. 

He called our dear ones to Himself, 

We have not far to go. 
And with His love to comfort us 

We yet great joy may know. 

The rain has fallen on our path — 
Now may the sunshine fair 

Illume each step until with Him 
We endless sunshine share. 



4-2 



" WE FEEL THE THING WE OUGHT TO 
BE BENEATH THE THING WE ARE'' 

— Hugo. 

Beating against its prison walls, 

Struggling itself to free, 
We feel beneath the thing we are 

The thing we ought to be. 

Crushed by the sins that we commit. 
Held back by word and deed, — 

We know it can, at any time. 
By our own act be freed. 

Then let us not discouraged grow: 

All souls shall be revealed 
While heart to heart in truth speaks out. 

And naught can be concealed. 

We each must gain the victory: 

Yield not to what we are, 
But yield to what we ought to be 

And growth no longer bar. 



A PETITION 

Lord, underneath the shadow of Thy pow'r 
I would be found when danger threatens me. 

There, too, be found when I of blessings sing, — 
When tasting Thy rich bounty, full and free. 

Nearer to Thee each day, O Lord of all, 
Draw me and mine in tenderness and love. 

Weak though I be, O Father, hear my call; 
And ever turn my thoughts from earth, above. 



43 



RELEASE 

I am spirit now, I plead, 

And no more am bound by creed, 

For Infinity alone 

Speaks in language all its own. 

Higher, higher let me climb, 
Mingle with the souls sublime 
That to greater deeds inspire. 
"Is this truly thy desire.^" 

"Strive each day some good to do. 
Be to others just and true, 
Self forget, the right defend, — 
Thou shalt conquer in the end. 

When thou canst resign thy will. 
And thy spirit, calm and still. 
Hour by hour and day by day 
Scatters blessings on its way. 

Then, indeed, with grander souls 
He whose pow'r thy fate controls 
Will award thy place with joy 
Where no dross shall gold alloy. 

Earth or heav'n, it matters not: 
Sin in each hath pow'r to blot. 
When from Self redeemed at last. 
Thou shalt find thy struggles past.' 



44 



CHEERFULNESS 

Dost find cheer 
Looking on a smiling face ? 

The same smile 
Thine own sadder face would grace. 

What cheers thee 
That for other lives attain; 

Comfort give, 
Then thou hast not lived in vain. 

If a frown 
Thou each sunny morn shouldst meet, 

Day of gloom 
Would retard thy footsteps fleet. 

Then wear smiles 
Though sorrow stern eat thy heart. 

Let thy grief 
Unselfish be. Do thy part. 



45 



INNER SUNSHINE 

The sunshine floods the earth 
When clouds have passed away; 

But know, 't is inner sunshine 
That brightens all the day. 



E'en through the darkest hour 
Its radiant light doth cheer; 

When dowered with it the soul 
Hath little cause for fear. 

Within its steadfast light 

Dark Sorrow's flag is furled. 

The smiles of eye and lip 

Shed brightness o'er the world 



46 



t( 



WHERE WILL TOU SPEND ETERN ITT r 



Eternity is here, and now: 

I'll spend it with my brother, man. 

Forget myself to comfort him — 
This is a part of God's great plan. 

He bids us seek the mourning ones, 
Pour softest oil upon their hurts, 

Weep when they weep, and share their joys, - 
Such acts as these the soul converts. 

He does not wish us now to dwell 
^^ In Heav'n's high courts, or He would say 
''Come home." Nor need we leave the earth 
To dwell in Hell —'t is here each day. 

Yes, after death we live again: 
For still our influence shall speak. 

Then let our lives be strong and pure. 
And yet with sweetness be replete. 



47 



MT FATHER'S HOUSE 

The way unto my father's house I seek, 
I do not know why there are none to tell. 

Each day I search and hsten, — who shall speak ? 
No other thought inspires me — is it well ? 

They tell me that His house is fair to see, 
For ev'ry child a room therein is found. 

O, quickly to its shelter let me flee! 

Where peace, and joy and rest for aye abound. 

There I no more shall care or sorrow know. 
On me no more the hand of sin can rest. 

I long to dwell where all is peace, not woe. 
When sheltered, I shall feel my lot is blessed. 

I hear a voice, it whispers in my ear: 

"Turn back, my child. Thou hast a work to do. 

Fulfil thy mission, then without a fear 

Seek thou that house. The door will ope to you.*' 



48 



INCENTIVE 

The miner daily grasps his pick 
And toils with patient hand; 

Full well he knows that nuggets rare 
Are scattered through the land. 

He cannot hope for fortune large 

If to despair he yields, 
And many days of fruitless search 

He spends in barren fields. 

But perseverance to the end 

A sure reward will gain, 
And he will find the golden ore 

That long has hidden lain. 

So with the mind: we cannot pause 

If rich returns we ask, 
But in the field of knowledge delve,— 

Nor slight the smallest task. 



49 



''THOU WILT KEEP HIM IN PERFECT 
PEACE WHOSE MIND IS STATED 
ON THEE " 

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace." 

O, Wilt thou, then, bid all life's turmoil cease ? 

Canst thou pour balm upon a wounded soul 

And heal all scars, as the fresh seasons roll ? 

Nay, child, the scars but show, in very truth, 

A fight was fought, and both old age and youth 

Should glory in these emblems of their deeds 

Tho' at each scar the spirit freshly bleeds. 

And when with sorrow bowed e'en to the ground, 

"He jests at scars that never felt a wound" 

Will take a deeper meaning unto thee. 

Ye shall see, too, that like the spreading tree 

Ye must be pruned if compact ye would grow. 

And flinch not when the knife descends: the blow 

Falls to remove disfiguring debris. 

Thus giving freer life. — The sages thus agree. 



50 



/ KNOW NOT 

''I know not, oh, I know not. 

What joys await us there," 
Now let me softly whisper: 
T is Httle that I care." 



(I >' 



To do the present duty 
Is joy enough for me: 

To ease some daily burden. 
Set some tired spirit free. 

To scatter golden sunshine 
Upon some darkened life. 

To cheer a wounded spirit, 
Or check some bitter strife. 

To never cast a shadow 
So close to Him I keep, — 

This fills my heart with gladness 
And present joys are deep. 



51 



RETURN 

Low in the ground my body lies, 

Behold a spirit strong and free. 
I come to thee in glad surprise — 

My thoughts may now be voiced by thee. 

Oft would I speak to those I love, 

There is the veil of flesh between 
I cannot pierce; I look above 

And ask to influence unseen. 

I strive to make my presence known. 

And oftentimes the mvstic link 
That bound our spirits seems to own 

My subtile spirit touch, I think: 

I long to bid them look beyond 

Their narrow lives to other spheres. 

Where they shall find a closer bond 
Unites us in the coming years; 

A common brotherhood reveal 

To those who dimly understand 
The glories that the flesh conceal. 

As day by day their souls expand. 

I ask that soon each one may know 

That death is not decay, indeed! 
But life, full, grand and free evolves 

Through death. For this great boon I plead. 



52 



LIGHT AND SHADOW 

We have lived within the sunHght 
And our days were passing sweet; 

Every hour was filled with gladness, 
Joy with every heart-throb beat. 

Thou hast crowned our lives with blessings, 
Kept us in Thy shelt'ring fold: 

Now, as darkly come the shadows, 
Keep us as Thou hast of old. 

Help us bear the pain Thou sendest 
With a spirit strong and sweet. 

Learn the lesson Thou hast set us 
Patiently, and when complete 

Let us, kneeling at Thy footstool, 

Every syllable recite; 
Then wilt Thou, in tend'rest pity. 

All the broken threads unite 

That were severed when our loved ones 
Passed from earthly sight away; 

Grant that in Thy gracious presence 
We may find unending day. 



53 



LIFE 

O, what is life, that we should cling to it ? 
*Tis but the tide that keeps the storm-tossed ship 

From reaching port. 
How we rush on, impelled by that great force 
Which in ourselves, as in the ocean hoarse 

Doth flow and ebb. 

But sometime it shall beat itself to rest, 

And we, released, shall feel that God knew best, 

Held us to gain 
Development so rounded and complete 
That at the last a spirit strong and sweet 

Should onward pass. 



ADFERSirr 

"Sweet are the uses of adversity." 

And if through adverse toil is born a gift, 

Then use it wisely. It may lead thee on 

Till e'en the darkest cloud is pierced by rift. 



54 



WHY? 

Why do we hunger so for human love ? 

We know Thy love, O God, is always near. 
Are we so weak we cannot look above ? 

That we must find our present comfort here ? 

Yes, we are weak: and so we cry to Thee 
For aid to tread life's pathway, as we go, 

With step so patient, yet so firm and free 
That others, watching us, may ever know 

Whence comes our strength, as on Thy arm we 
lean. 

And still the craving of their sorrowing hearts; 
O, may they quickly heavenly comfort glean. 

And know no further grief ere life departs. 

Then, as that life to Thee returns again, 
Grant that it shall the perfect circle make: 

When measured by the heav'nly compasses 
Grant that no flaw^the perfect whole shall break. 



55 



AGAIN A CHILD 

Again a child I wander lone 

Upon the sandy beach, 
And gather shells the surging waves 

Have strewn within my reach. 

I write my name upon the sand 

As in the days gone by, 
Then watch the quickly rising tide 

Advancing as I lie. 

Full soon the name is washed away, — 

And still the restless sea 
Yet higher climbs, with swift approach. 

Till I am forced to flee. 

I climb the bluff and joyously 

Across the field I flit 
To seek the blasted cedar tree 

And in its shadow sit. 

The beach plums hang upon the bush, 
Great gold and purple balls. 

While poised against the blue above 
A lonely sea-bird calls. 

The rustling grasses nod their heads, 

The sea-weeds idly float; 
Afar the rugged fisher sings 

As gently rocks his boat. 

And now the sun adown the bay 

Shines gloriously bright; 
The colors deepen, flicker, fade, 

Then merge in black of night. 



56 



MY PRATER 

O, Thou who mark'st the sparrow's fall, 

Mark, too, with pitying eye, 
The weakness of Thy child, I call — 

O give a quick reply. 

Each morn, as doth the light of day 

My waking eyes illume, 
I crave Thy spirit's strength for mine 

And cast away my gloom. 

At even-tide, when looking back 

My failures, Lord, I see. 
Wilt Thou blot out my every sin ? 

The good I offer Thee. 

May I no more find good in sin 

But taste Thy joys divine. 
Now let me truly feel within 

Thy daily love is mine. 

And grant, O Lord, that in Thy light 

My spirit shall grow pure 
Until at last I end the fight 

And gain the promise sure. 

For well iTknow it hath been said 

The pure in heart alone 
Have gained the pow'r Thy face to see. 

Accept me as Thine own. 

Then when the last, long sleep shall come 

My eyes shall calmly close: 
My dying thoughts to Thee shall turn, 

Whose hand this boon bestows. 



57 



REPOSE 

When my tired soul would seek repose 
I turn from earth to heaven, 

Sustain'ed by the Hand divine 
That paints the sky at even. 

I gaze upon the changing tints 

And feel w^ithin, around, 
A holy peace; I lean on Him, 

And I with joy am crowned. 



''HIS WATS ARE HIDDEN WATS " 

''And underneath its branches 
Is the grave of a little child, 
fVho died upon life's threshold, 
And never wept or smiled.^' 

— Longfellow. 

How wonderful to never weep or smile. 

But pay thy dues to life and death at birth. 

Then yield the dainty clay to funeral pile 
Or the soft pressure of benignant Earth. 

Not once upon thy soul shall fall a stain, 

Not once another soul shall sin through thee. 

Thou hast upon thy mother's breast ne'er lain, 
And yet her tender love flows full and free. 

Thy tiny form hath now to dust returned; 

Thy spirit, lent by God, with Him doth rest. 
Through grief, thy friends His wisdom have dis- 
cerned. 

'*His ways are not our ways," — yet they are best. 

58 



TO A CHILD 

Before you lies an unsailed sea, 

Within your helpless hand 
Is placed the helm to guide your bark 

Toward an unknown land. 

When once that bark, so fair and frail. 

Is launched upon life's sea 
It must sail on until at last 

You reach that country free 

Where none need fear as into port 

With battered hulk they sail 
If in their hearts they call on God: 

His love will never fail. 

O, there they find the door of Heav'n 

Is ever open wide, 
A list'ning ear for aye inclined, — 

Can aught but good betide ? 

It may be that your voyage is short, 

And that He loves you so 
He soon will guide your tiny feet 

Across the threshold low 

With hand so gentle you will feel 

No rougher touch than sleep. 
While tenderly your eyelids press 

Upon your waxen cheek. 

But should the voyage prove long and rough, 

Then will His pow'r sustain; 
E'en should the angry waves engulf 

You will not call in vain. 



59 



And you will find, as years pass on, 
The seasoned timbers strong 

Withstand the fiercest winds and waves 
Though storms beat loud and long. 

As gently falls the night of life, 

Then cross the harbor bar 
And anchor at the door of Heav'n — 

Where His Beloved are. 



DE SHADOWS 

De shadows fall across our lives 
An' none can tell de reason why. 

My soul done question eb'ry day, 
But it doan get no sure reply. 

Sometimes it tinks it understan's, 
An 'den calamities come fas'; 

My po' ole soul is overwhelmed 
An it done lose its faith at las'. 

But soon a rif comes in de cloud, 
It sees de sun a shinin' froo; 

So den it puts its cares away 
An' lets de inner sun shine, too. 

De pain an' woe a message bring: 
Our God done lub His chil'en well. 

If hard dey seem He knows de best, 
An' oft of comin' joys dey tell. 



60 



CHARirr 

A robe of white wears Charity, 

She 's fairer than a flow'r. 
Her Hps both pearls and rubies drop; 

Her love, a priceless dowV. 

Her presence makes men manlier. 
She sees no sin that's past: 

For virtue only has she eyes, 
Redeems all souls at last. 

She shields the weak with mantle pure, 
Her hand doth lead them home. 

No evil thought hath Charity 

Though far from right they roam. 

Then let us closely follow her 

Until we, too, may wear 
Both robe and mantle like her own 

And strive her work to share. 



6i 



LET THEM SHINE THROUGH 

Let them shine through — 
They are within thy soul — 

Peace, Love and Joy, 

Shine through as the seasons roll. 

They are thine own, 

And none can quench but thee. 
No mortal frail dominion hath 

Over thy soul so free. 

Let them shine through — 

Others will peaceful be 
If steadfast thou. 

O, then, as the days ye see 

So quickly pass 

Reach out to all around 
Until their waiting, weary souls 

With Peace for aye abound. 

Let them shine through — 

Love gives a wondrous pow'r. 

Bid her come in, 

She bringeth a priceless dow'r. 

Guided by her 

Never offence shall come: 
From hearts that are inspired by Love 

No unkind thoughts have sprung. 

Let them shine through — 

Joy is a welcome guest; 
Keep her always. 

Her presence thy soul hath blest. 



62 



Friends gather round 
Listening to her voice. 

Then let her banish all thy care 
And evermore rejoice. 



POM PETS PRATER 

Vse ole an' feeble, Massa, 

Dese ban's can work no moah, 

Please take me home ter Heab'n, 
I see de op'n doah. 

I heah de angels callin', 
I see dem beck'n me — 

Massa, show^ dy mercy 
An' set mah spirit free. 

1 feel mah eyelids closin'. 
At Heab'n's gate I stan' 

Now, praise de Lord! His face I see. 
I've gained de ** Promised Lan'.'* 



63 



TO-MORRO W 

What will to-morrow bring to thee ? 

A life of joy, 

From care set free ? 
Or will it bring more grief and pain ? 
Will it prove glad or sad refrain ? 

If Fate doth unto thee allot 

Sweet joy, rejoice! 

And yield her not. 
To joy, how glad the welcome giv'n! 
How soon the thongs that bound are riv'n! 

If pain is sent, then may it bring 

The strength to bear, 

The heart to sing. 
When spirit conquers flesh, O, then 
E'en pain is helpful unto men. 

Wilt thou be brave, or sore rebel 

If hard the blow .? 

Ah! who can tell 
But this: It is not ours to know 
What it will bring of weal or woe. 



64 



MESSAGES 

When friends reach out to us from far away 
We greet each message with a beaming eye: 

Why should we offer less when spirit friends 
Send out their call, awaiting a reply ? 

Receptive always must our spirit be 

If we the touch of unseen hands would feel. 

We ask too much, — no earthly friend waits long 
Unless we glimpse of inner self reveal. 

They summon us, but when the tryst they keep 
We simply wonder if it can be so, 

The while they strive conditions to adjust 
And conquer barriers we may not know. 

O, if in love they haste to comfort bring. 

How sorely we must hurt them by our doubt 

When gladly they have left the higher sphere! 
Unseen, unfelt, — yet they are all about. 

The pow'r to see the flesh is giv'n to all: 
How few the spirit even understand. 

Still less can see the real, the lasting self 

That soon or late must join the waiting band! 

Who now would ask to feel the wounded side ? 

Accept with joy the truth so full and free 
And thou shalt find that truth without alloy, 

While greater knowledge soon shall come to thee. 

Then be not slow to say: "I know you 're here," 
And always quickly to their call respond. 

How gladly should we welcome ev*ry sign 
Of love that reaches out from the ** Beyond." 

65 



THE SPIRITS FLIGHT 

It may be far, it may be near — 
The moment for its upward flight; 

It may be at the dawn of day, 

Perchance 'twill pass at noon of night. 

But soon or late, it first must learn 

Upon the Infinite to lean: 
To feel the presence of the Lord 

And know He's near, although unseen. 



BURDEN-BEARING 

Do not cast all on God, 

But exercise your will 
And your own burden bear — 

His strength your heart will fill. 

If you sit weakly down. 
Waiting, beside the road. 

Say: "Take my burden up, 
I faint beneath its load." 

Such weakness He will spurn. 
For you were born to fight; 

Adjust it to your back 
And feel it growing light. 

Know if you bravely live 
He will in love draw near 

And pity, help and bless. 
Then call without a tear. 



'^' 66 



THE NEW BIRTH 

When trailing o'er our threshold in the night, 
Or ent'rng 'mid the noonday sun's strong glare, 

The Angel Death doth bear our loved away 
Take courage! they shall find a life more fair 

For, newly born, their souls can enter in 
To glories hidden from our veiKed eyes; 

While even we, if in the Silence held. 

Can sense their welcome and their glad sur- 
prise. 

'Tis seen upon the pale, fast-freezing face — 
The smile of rapture as they enter in; 

Be glad for them! the final struggle past 
Their place among immortal ones they win. 

'T is but a cord, invisible to us, 

That binds the spirit to its changing clay; 
When gently loosened by soft, angel hands 

Rejoicing they are safely borne away. 

Let no rude shock come near them when the call 
Sounds clear and sweet within the waiting ear. 

Be glad their heritage is gained so soon. 
Await a later summons without fear. 

For God is love, and all can trust to Him 

The fairest blossoms and the full-grown wheat. 

He cares for them. Sometime, within the future 
dim, 
Our call will come and we our loved shall greet. 



67 



But while in earnest work we calmly wait 

A wondrous bridge is stretched from shore to 
shore, 

On which in silence, or with silver speech, 
They come and go until we part no more. 



PROGRESSION 

O, earth-bound Soul, take heed! 

Thou hast a mission here: 
For untold wealth of thought may come to thee 

Alone, from higher sphere. 

Life is but one short step. 

It leads to vaster realm 
Where, in the light of knowledge gained through 
life. 

No force can overwhelm. 

He who hath gained the pow'r 

To view life's phases with impassive eye 

No longer questions why rebuffs must come, 
For his clear vision sees the sure reply. 

When spirit is released 

From its repression by environment. 
It knows through seeming flaws, sometimes, 

Comes beauty and content. 

And in that gladsome hour 

When fettered Soul soars free, 
To its progression and development 

No limit there shall be. 



68 



INTO THE SILENCE 

Into the Silence, O Soul, thou must go, 
Thoughts waiting expression by thee thou shalt 

know. 
Sweeter, diviner than ear ever heard 
Are the songs yet unsung but awaiting thy word. 

Into the Silence, where naught can assail; 
Only the spirit, while there, can avail; 
'Tis given by God, and brings blessings untold: 
Through Him will each soul into beauty unfold. 

Into the Silence where wisdom doth wait. 
Long though thou tarry 't is never too late. 
Great are the truths that shall come to thee there, 
Blessed the knowledge that Silence shall bear. 

Into the Silence, thyself thou shalt find. 
Infinite depths formed by Infinite Mind, 
Reverence and awe with thee there shall abide. 
Be found in the Silence whatever betide. 

Into the Silence with self to commune. 
There with the angels keep ever in tune. 
There find thy mission, — 't is waiting thy will. 
There, too, find the message that others may thrill. 

Into the Silence where peace is instilled. 
When message is given and mission fulfilled. 
When ineffable light shall encompass thy soul, 
Then commune with thy loved as the seasons 
shall roll. 



69 



CONSCIENCE 

Deep, deep within our being lies 
A pow'r mysterious to mankind 

It proveth an unerring guide, 
And yet it cannot be defined. 



(( i 



T is of celestial fire a spark," 
Says one, and that is true indeed. 
It casts a glow upon the good. 

But burns the noisome fruit and weed. 

Another likens to a voice: 

It is a voice, both low and sweet, 

Which faileth not to meet our ear 
Its daily warnings to repeat. 

We long to sin and lo! we hear 
That voice within, it bids us stay 

And tells us evil is the fruit 

Of what we fain would do or say. 

Its sure decay shall taint the soul 
Ere we from bondage are set free. 

We spurn temptation as it bids, — 
Consuming flame removes debris. 

Day follows day; we purer grow 
While yielding to that voice divine 

Until in very truth we say: 

''Father, my will is merged in Thine." 



7© 



(( 



MT PEACE I LEAVE WITH TOU" 



You cannot hope to walk with God 

While still some secret sin 
You clasp so closely to your heart 

He cannot enter in. 
Until all evil forth is cast, 

Garnished and swept for Him 
The chamber of your soul, and pure, 

He cannot enter in. 

Though weary, storm-tossed, you may know 

His deep, abiding peace 
And ne'er go forth again to roam. 

But weary quest shall cease. 
For read we in his *'Holy Word:" 

**My peace I leave with you." 
O, precious gift beyond compare! 

So old, yet ever new! 

Then hand in hand with Him go forth — 

His love shall round you shine 
Until, reflected, all shall see 

The radiance divine. 
'T will lead them gently unto Him, 

And then they, too, will grasp 
His kindly hand and scale the heights 

Eternal truth to clasp. 



71 



DISCIPLINE 

We must suffer, we must work 

Till a smile we wear 
Though the heart be sorely wrung 

With its load of care. 

And if we still rebel, 

When the flesh is worn away 
We cannot hope to enter in 

To everlasting day. 

But in another sphere. 

Yet always near to man, 
We must be shaped through discipline 

Till we accept His plan. 

Then we will surely find 

The key to perfect rest: 
Quickly the soul will upward rise 

No more by sin oppressed. 



72 



THE CHRIST-CHILD 

When in their stalls, at midnight hour, 
The cattle knelt before the Child, 

He raised his hands as if to bless, 

Then slept, — and in his dreams he smiled. 

He saw not in the future dim 

The rugged road, nor cross, nor crown. 
But safe in Mary's arms he lay, 

While little stars looked softly down. 

She clasped him closer to her breast — 
A gift divine, sent from on high. 

Her mother-heart grew strangly calm 
As swiftly fleecy clouds went by. 

Soft shadows fell, but round the Child 
A pure, white halo seemed to chng; 

Afar she heard, that wondrous night, 
A host of angels sweetly sing. 

O mother-heart, rejoice! rejoice! 

For lo, thy little Child, alway, 
The Savior of the world shall be, — 

Turn darkest night to endless day. 



73 



CHILD JESUS 

Child Jesus in a manger, 

The little stars on high 
Shone o'er the infant stranger 

And sang his lullaby. 

No song was ever sweeter. 
And children to this day 

Do not forget to listen 
If they his will obey. 

Their ears are ever open 
To catch the songs above, 

Their eyes are ever watching 
In tenderness and love. 

For at the hour of midnight 
Each glorious Christmas-tide 

The lullaby still echoes 

O'er earth and heaven wide. 

O, may we learn a lesson 
E'en from the little child! 

May we believe and listen, 

And praise the Christ Child mild. 



74 



W 1 









"- .<^\. 





























'O • * 

























v< 



0* ^^ ^^ 






" • 






.**^ 



HO 



%..^' . 







f' ♦ »J\\ So /7L 



o 






'^^^'' ''.SIM'' '^'^'^ N 





































WERT !»' ^ 

"O N BOOKBINDING 

Crantville Pa 



